Reviews – Visual

One of the optional categories that all Hellbound contributors were asked to write about in our year end polls was their favourite Metal DVD of 2010. As it was optional – and because not all of us watched music DVDs in 2010 – not everyone has participated but I think that it is obvious from those that had a favourite to offer that the new RUSH documentary Beyond The Lighted Stage was hands down the favourite, followed by the Norwegian black metal documentary Until The Light Takes Us. Here are the individual favourite Metal DVDs of 2010, alphabetical by writer.

Having an Immortal at Wacken DVD is a real treat for me because I know that I’m going to get a concert that actually looks and sounds like a live show. No ridiculously quick cuts or overly obvious tricks, no overdubs, nothing. The stuff that comes out of Wacken Open Air is consistently awesome and this is definitely no exception. The show is shot beautifully, the editing done flawlessly without making your head spin, and the band plays a solid set.

The Acacia Strain have the dubious distinction of being one of the original ‘deathcore’ bands, spawning a whole load of crappy imitations over the years. Thankfully, The Acacia Strain are still head and shoulders above all of their competition and live they really shine. Yes, the editing is quite jarring, but at the same time I think it gives an accurate feeling to being at one of The Acacia Strain’s shows: loud, hectic, and effectively putting the viewer off balance.

What the DVD does is allow the viewer to get to know Gene Hoglan, the drummer and the man. It’s an entertaining watch and I’d recommend it to non-drummers who still have an interest in Gene or Gene’s bands.

It’s tragic how such a welcome comeback could be snuffed out so cruelly, but what a way for Heaven and Hell to go out: sales and attendance exceptional, everyone finally getting along, not to mention proud of everything they’d accomplished in such a short time span. And with Neon Nights: 30 Years of Heaven & Hell, we have a perfect way to cap off that magical run.

Lords Of Depravity Part II is an amazingly thorough, well-put together package but it might just be way too much for the beginner Sodom fan. At a running time of over six hours there is a shitload of Sodom to be had for a reasonable price.

While it is nice to see this upgraded to a higher quality format, as the redefinition of it has improved the picture quality over the original DVD release, I must admit that this release is not without its faults.

“While Frozen isn’t your typical modern horror movie, having a void of an abundance of gore (although there is some, and it’s very well done), an evil antagonist or supernatural entities, it’s the lack of these elements that really add to what makes the film special. Instead, it uses a scenario that is familiar to most people, and adds a terrifying, yet very realistic, “what if?” situation.”

Adam Wills discusses the isolation horror movie, FROZEN, out now on DVD and Blu-Ray through Anchor Bay Entertainment.